Finding a new digital network for WLS-Ch.7, it turns out, called for a little funny business.

Laff, a 24/7 comedy network, is set to launch on ABC 7's digital subchannel in April, adding another major player to the multicast universe. Created by Katz Broadcasting, the network will feature a mix of contemporary sitcoms and movies aimed at 18- to 49-year-olds.

ABC-owned stations in eight markets, including New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, and 13 stations owned by E.W. Scripps, will carry Laff, making the nascent comedy channel available to more than 35 percent of the country at launch.

Meanwhile, Live Well Network — the home, fashion, food and health digital network which was supposed to end its run in January — has found new life, at least on WLS-Ch. 7 and other ABC-owned stations. The network, which is no longer in syndication, will continue airing reruns for now.

"(Laff) will be an excellent addition to our subchannel lineup," Rebecca Campbell, president of the ABC-owned station group, said in a statement. "We are also committed to keeping Live Well Network up and running in our own markets, so that we can continue to provide unique local programming and pursue corporate synergy opportunities."

Laff is the third network launched by Katz Broadcasting, which was founded last year to stake out turf in the fast-growing multicast space. Jonathan Katz, a former Turner Broadcasting executive who launched the Bounce TV digital network, is president and chief operating officer of Katz Broadcasting.

"In launching three television networks within 10 months, we are clearly very bullish on the renaissance of free broadcast television," Katz said in a statement. "This burgeoning new broadcast ecosystem resembles the early days of basic cable, expanding to offer viewers diverse new choices and complementing the growing number of over-the-top subscription services."

In June, ABC told affiliates that the Live Well Network would end its run by mid-January. Reports of its demise were premature. Live Well will continue to run on 7.2 in Chicago, while Laff will air on 7.3, sources said.

Launched in 2009, Live Well was developed by Emily Barr, the former president and general manager of WLS-Ch.7.

Diginets, which have gained traction in recent years, are available over the air and through many cable providers. Some diginets rival cable networks in viewership.

Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting's MeTV, a multicasting network featuring everything from "The Brady Bunch" to "Gilligan's Island," is the largest diginet in the U.S.

Other major diginet players include This-TV, a movie network operated by Tribune Broadcasting and MGM; Tribune Broadcasting's Antenna TV; and Atlanta-based Bounce TV, which features African-American-focused programming.